Travel Sentry Locks: Where To Buy Them

Travel Sentry locks are a global standard, used in most countries worldwide. They are the only two companies with the rights to create TSA locks, which are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other security agencies. These locks allow authorities to inspect luggage for security reasons without breaking the lock, ensuring your luggage and its contents remain safe and secure. You can buy Travel Sentry locks on Amazon, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $24.95. They are also available on Pacsafe, with a price of $24.95.

TSA-approved locks on Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of TSA-approved locks for luggage, with many products featuring thousands of positive reviews. Here is a selection of some of the most popular TSA-approved locks available on Amazon:

TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks

These cable locks by Forge, ANVIL, and Master Lock feature a re-settable combination with an alloy body. They are highly rated, with over 6,000 bought in the past month on Amazon. They are a great choice for securing your luggage during travel.

TSA-Approved Luggage Locks with Keys

These locks offer a solid brass or copper keyed padlock with ABS plastic covering, available in various colours. They are ideal for securing your suitcase, backpack, gym locker, or jewellery box. With over 1,000 bought in the past month, these locks are a popular choice for added security.

TSA-Approved Travel Sentry Luggage Locks

These mini locks by Swiss Gear come in a set of two and are available in blue or red. They are a great option for securing your luggage, with a 4.7-star rating from customers.

TSA-Approved 4-Digit Combination Luggage Locks

These locks feature a durable zinc alloy body and a 4-digit combination, offering 10,000 possible combinations. They are easy to read and perfect for securing suitcases, backpacks, gym lockers, and student lockers. With over 700 bought in the past month, these locks are a popular choice for travellers seeking added security.

TSA-Compatible Travel Luggage Locks

These locks are compatible with TSA standards and feature an inspection indicator and easy-to-read dials. With a zinc alloy body, these locks are a great choice for securing your luggage. They have received over 14,000 positive reviews on Amazon, making them a popular and trusted option.

Travel Sentry locks: how they work

Travel Sentry locks are the standard that supports security agencies in protecting travellers. The locks allow authorities to open, inspect and relock luggage without causing any damage. This lock system reduces the time and resources required by security agencies to screen checked-in luggage, minimising delays and costs for airlines and airports.

A TSA Lock allows the authorities to inspect luggage for security reasons, such as checking for dangerous items, without breaking the lock. This means your luggage and its contents will remain safe and secure throughout your travels, and your luggage will remain damage-free.

TSA-accepted locks have a special feature that allows TSA agents to open and relock the lock without causing damage. This ensures that if your luggage requires inspecting, there is no need to destroy the lock. This provides convenience for both travellers and security personnel, streamlining the inspection process.

Each lock has a unique code, from TSA001 to TSA008, which is used by the TSA, CATSA and other security agencies to know which secure tool to use to open the lock.

To identify a Travel Sentry TSA lock, simply look for the Red Diamond logo, which symbolises its acceptance by the TSA and other security agencies worldwide.

Travel Sentry lock setting instructions

Travel Sentry locks are a global standard, used in most countries worldwide. They are designed to allow security agencies to open, inspect and relock luggage without causing damage. The locks bear a Red Diamond logo, which symbolises their acceptance by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other security agencies.

For Combination Zipper Locks:

• Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place, such as your phone.
• Turn the dials to 0-0-0 and remove the zipper pullers from the lock.
• Press down the reset button with a tool, such as a ballpoint pen, until you hear a 'click' sound.
• You may find the reset button on the side of your lock. Now, set your chosen combination.
• Press or slide the arrow/release button.
• Your combination is now set.

For Combination Padlocks:

• Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place, such as your phone.
• Turn the dials to 0-0-0 and pull the shackle up from the lock.
• Turn the shackle 90 degrees clockwise.
• Press the shackle down.
• Turn it further 90 degrees.
• Now, set your chosen combination.
• Rotate the shackle back to its original position.
• Your combination is now set.

For Combination Cable Padlocks & Strap Combination Locks:

• Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place.
• Turn the dials to 0-0-0 and pull the cable up from the lock.
• Press and hold the reset button with a tool, such as a ballpoint pen.
• While pressing the button, set your chosen combination.
• Release the reset button.
• Your combination is now set.

For Latch Locks WITH a Reset Button:

• Choose a memorable combination and write it down in a safe place.
• Turn the dials to 0-0-0 and press and hold the reset button with a tool, such as a ballpoint pen (you may hear a 'click' sound).
• You may find the reset button on the side of your lock. Now, set your chosen combination.
• Remove the pen from the reset button.
• Push the arrow button.
• Your combination is now set.

For Latch Locks WITHOUT a Reset Button:

• Turn the dials to 0-0-0 (the original combination).
• Push and hold the arrow button.
• Now, set your chosen combination.
• Release the arrow button – your combination is now set.

For Latch Locks with a Slide Selector:

• Turn the dials to 0-0-0 (the original combination).
• Locate the slide on the bottom of the lock.
• Slide the selector from either A to B or OFF to SET.
• Now, set your chosen combination.
• Slide the selector back from B to A or SET to OFF – your combination is now set.

For Combination Strap Locks:

• Set the combination to 0-0-0.
• Open the lock by pressing the release button.
• Once unlocked, place a pen or other pointed object on the end of the metal rod and push it in.
• While pushing, set/reset your chosen combination. Releasing the button locks your combination. Remember to write it down and store it in a safe place.
• When resetting a cable or strap lock, ensure you push the reset button or bar ALL the way down and keep it depressed when changing the combination.

Travel Sentry lock malfunction and repair

Travel Sentry locks are a global standard, accepted in most countries and in all US-controlled airports. They are designed to allow security agents to open, inspect and relock luggage without causing damage. The locks are marked with a Red Diamond logo, which symbolises their acceptance by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other security agencies worldwide.

Lock Malfunction and Repair

If you are having problems with your combination lock, you should contact the brand or the retailer where you bought your lock or luggage. Most manufacturers and distributors of Travel Sentry® Approved locks have a strong warranty replacement policy and should be able to help.

If you have forgotten your combination, try all the possible combinations from 000-999. This may take up to 30 minutes, but it could save you from having to buy a new lock. Alternatively, you can take it to a luggage retailer or a professional locksmith to see if they can help.

If you have made a mistake while setting your combination, you can try to find the correct one by trying all the possible combinations from 000-999. Otherwise, you should contact the brand distributor of the locks or return them to the place where they were purchased.

If your lock is constantly open and you cannot close it, it is possible that a security agent forgot to relock your luggage. To relock it, use a small coin or a screwdriver to rotate the cylinder face in the direction of the arrow until it aligns with the red dot.

If your lock is broken after a flight, look for a Notice of Baggage Inspection form from the TSA inside your bag. If there is a TSA Notice, contact the brand, as most brands participating in the Travel Sentry system will replace locks under these circumstances. If there is no TSA Notice, it is likely that the damage was caused by airline handling, so you should file a claim with your airline without delay.

Where to use Travel Sentry locks

Travel Sentry locks are designed to be used on luggage and travel bags for international flights. They are not intended for high-security purposes, but rather to serve as a deterrent and provide peace of mind for travellers. The locks are approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and can be opened by TSA agents using special tools and codes, allowing them to inspect luggage without damaging the lock. This is particularly useful if you are travelling to or within the United States, as TSA agents have the authority to inspect luggage for security purposes.

The locks are widely available and can be purchased at many airports, as well as online. Some luggage manufacturers even incorporate Travel Sentry locks into their designs. When purchasing, look for the distinctive red diamond logo, which symbolises its acceptance by the TSA and other security agencies.

In addition to the United States, Travel Sentry locks are accepted and recognised in over 65 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The company's website provides an up-to-date list of countries where the locks can be used.

It is worth noting that while Travel Sentry locks offer a basic level of security, they are not impenetrable. The master keys for these locks have been leaked in the past, and determined thieves could potentially gain access. However, for most travellers, these locks provide sufficient protection and convenience, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Frequently asked questions